The match was moved to the later kick-off time of 3 pm because of the heat but it was still a warm afternoon in Riyadh and the home side looked more accustomed, creating a number of chances in the first half.
Saudi Arabia created the better chances in the half as Croatia looked out of sorts, but it would remain goalless at the halftime break.
Saudi Arabia had a massive chance to go ahead in the 62nd minute but a free shot from just yards went just over the bar. They would come close again when they hit the post 10 minutes later.
Andrej Kramarić would find the back of the next in the 73rd minute but his tap in would be ruled out for offside. in the 83rd minute Kramarić would find the back of the net again.